The bible clearly states that in the Last Days the world will be ruled over by a single man in control of a Global Government, the Anti-Christ running the Beast Empire. Today the most obvious and likely "Power Institution" to fit this biblical description is the United Nations.

Curiously we also note that it is the United Nations that is championing the "Global Warming" issue.

Additionally Revelations tells us of another man being present in the Last Days called the "False Prophet" who will be a global spiritual guide who supports the Anti-Christ and the one world government (Beast Empire). Again it is curious that Pope Francis is gearing up to support the United Nations by advocating the Global Warming issue.

So it would appear that what is described prophetically in the bible can be applied to today's world leadership and power structures, meaning that yes we are that close to the return of Christ.